Emma the Donkey
The Chelsea Flower Show marks the height of the horticultural calendar but this year there will be a distinct difference from all shows that have gone before.
Emma the donkey has been granted special permission to wander around some of the most beautiful gardens ever designed. The first ever four-legged guest has been given a special place on this year's VIP guest list in support of animal charity Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA).
The charity is currently trying to raise awareness of the importance of working animals in the developing world. In places such as Sudan, livelihoods hinge completely on livestock, but sadly the resources aren't always available to give them basics such as veterinary care, food and fresh water.
Reports last year revealed that in some refugee camps 30% of livestock starved to death through lack of access to fresh water and grazing resources. Considering every animal supports an average of 6 people this has caused major problems for people trying to work their way out of poverty.
SPANA is addressing the situation by providing veterinary care to around 400,000 working animals every year through their veterinary centres and mobile clinics. There is however still much work to be done and it is hoped that this display at the Chelsea Flower Show will go some way to raising further awareness of this issue.
Jeremy Hulme, Chief Executive of SPANA, said: "Livestock are absolutely fundamental to the people of Eastern Chad but the influx of refugees from Darfur, with around 600,000 of their own animals, has resulted in conflict over the already scant resources in this desert region."
This year's Chelsea Flowers Show runs from 20th to 24th May